Danica Patrick crashes hard in Auto Club 400 after contact with Kasey Kahne

Running on the lead lap at Auto Club Speedway, Danica Patrick was on track for at least a decent finish on Sunday. Much like Kyle Larson earlier in the race, however, Patrick slammed into the SAFER Barrier, flew into the air and ended her day in the garage.

Unlike Larson, there was a culprit other than a dashed tire that sent Patrick into the wall — Kasey Kahne. A lap down, Kahne attempted to side draft with Patrick before making contact and sending her straight up the track.

The Stewart-Haas Racing driver climbed out of her car in the infield grass, gesturing at Kahne as the No. 5 car passed during the subsequent caution. Patrick didn’t hold any punches after the accident with Kahne.

“I feel bad if he felt like he was put in a position to have to be that desperate a lap down,” Patrick said of Kahne. “It’s just unfortunate; he must be having a very tough time.”

Luckily for Patrick, the next race after the Easter break will be at Martinsville. After finishing seventh at The Paperclip last March, the No. 10 team will need a similar result to get rid of the bad taste of Auto Club Speedway.